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White spots in your gums or mouth can be caused by a variety of mild and even serious conditions. Depending on the cause, white spots on your gums may be small and isolated or in clusters, and they may or may not be painful.
With some conditions, white spots on gums are likely to go away on their own. However, in some cases, they may require medication or other professional treatment.
Your gums may present with white spots or patches for several reasons. The way the spots look and feel can help determine the underlying cause.
Below are some of the most common causes:
Canker sores are oral ulcers that often appear as small yellow or white bumps with red, inflamed borders. They generally cause pain during eating, drinking, and brushing.
While canker sores don’t have a clear cause or a definitive cure, they can be affected by your diet. Low levels of iron, selenium, and vitamins D, B9, and B12 may play a role in the development of canker sores.
Canker sores are relatively common with around 25% of the general population suffering from canker sores. Additionally, they aren’t associated with any other severe condition and often resolve on their own within one to three weeks.
Oral lichen planus is an autoimmune condition that appears as irregular patches or blotches with white lacing or webbing. The white lacy patches may have no other symptoms, or they may be painful and sensitive to certain foods. Occasionally, the white patches can develop into painful open sores.
Oral lichen planus may affect your gums as well as your inner lips and cheeks. If it affects your tongue, you may notice changes in your sense of taste. Additionally, lichen planus can appear on other parts of your body including the skin, esophagus, and genitals.
Oral lichen planus may be triggered by certain medications, allergens, stress, or viruses. Although it’s not life-threatening in itself, it’s associated with an increased risk of oral cancer.
There isn’t a cure for lichen planus, but there are various medications and treatments that can help manage the symptoms. A corticosteroid may be prescribed to reduce inflammation.
Oral thrush (candidiasis) is an oral yeast infection caused by Candida albicans or sometimes other Candida yeast species. The most common symptom of oral thrush is creamy or cottage cheese-like white patches in the mouth or tongue. They’re often accompanied by a burning sensation.
Candida albicans is common in the oral and intestinal flora of healthy people. Normally, your immune system and the organisms in your stomach keep them in check. But if your immune system and gut are compromised, it can lead to an infection.
Oral thrush is typically treated by antifungal medications. However, in rare, extreme cases, the yeast can enter the bloodstream and cause a potentially fatal systemic infection.
Leukoplakia involves thick white or grayish patches that form on the gums, inner lips, and cheeks. It can resemble oral lichen planus or oral thrush.
These white or grayish patches may feel hard and don’t wipe away, but they generally don’t cause pain. The exact causes of leukoplakia haven’t been determined, but tobacco is believed to be a main contributor because it’s more common among smokers than nonsmokers.
Long-term alcohol consumption and chronic irritation may also contribute to the development of leukoplakia. Leukoplakia patches are often benign but can be precancerous in some cases. Meanwhile, patches with a mix of white and red areas may be a sign of potential cancerous growth.
An abscess can result in white, yellow, or red patches due to pus buildup underneath the skin's surface. These abscesses may also feel tender and warm to the touch. Other symptoms of a periodontal abscess include pain, swelling, fever, and chills.
A small abscess or one close to the surface of your skin may resolve by itself. You can also apply a warm compress to the area to help drain the abscess naturally.
Your healthcare provider may even prescribe an antibiotic. However, depending on the severity of the abscess, your dentist may require a surgical drainage procedure.
It’s possible for oral cancer to appear as white patches on your gums or mouth lining. Ear pain, loss of sensation, and sudden and unexplained weight loss are also symptoms of oral cancer.
White spots may also appear on your gums due to an injury or hormonal changes (such as during pregnancy). If you notice unusual changes in the way your mouth looks or feels, see your doctor or dentist.
In general, the main causes of white spots on your gums or mouth lining can be prevented with the following:
If you have white spots or patches on your gums, the way to get rid of them differs depending on the cause. However, there is no definitive cure for canker sores or oral lichen planus.
Fortunately, canker sores resolve on their own. On the other hand, lichen planus is an autoimmune condition that generally doesn’t go away. It can even recur if the patches are removed.
You can also manage it by improving your oral hygiene and taking corticosteroid medication. Oral thrush, like other yeast infections, is generally treated with antifungal medications.
Lastly, leukoplakia goes away in many cases when people stop using tobacco or alcohol. In some cases, a doctor may perform a biopsy and remove the patches with a scalpel or other medical device.
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